Auliʻi Cravalho Mourns Designer Afa Ah Loo
Moana 2 star honors Samoan creative whose work blended elegance and vibrant cultural pride
Image: Instagram
Tribute On Social Media
Auliʻi Cravalho took to Instagram this week to express her sorrow over the passing of Samoan fashion designer Afa Ah Loo. In a moving caption, the Moana 2 lead wrote, “There are no words to hold the grief of losing @afa.ahloo. As a Samoan fashion designer, Afa’s creations are and remain thoughtful, elegant and powerful portrayals of Pacific culture. I am still amazed to have worn his custom designs for the most significant event of my career; the world premiere of Moana 2. Your artistry will never be forgotten; and neither will your peaceful protest. My deepest condolences, sympathies and Aloha to his family, and all who felt his impact. May you rest peacefully with our Father, Afa. Auwe. Auwe. Auwe.”
Designer’s Pacific Heritage
Afa Ah Loo built a reputation for combining traditional Samoan motifs with modern tailoring. His collections often featured hand-woven tapa cloth, shell accents and symbolic patterns that spoke directly to Pacific heritage. Colleagues and clients alike praised his commitment to cultural authenticity, noting that each piece told a story of island life, community and resilience.
According to relatives, Afa also used fashion as a platform for activism. While details of his recent peaceful protest have not been widely publicized, Cravalho’s tribute underscores his dedication to social causes, suggesting that he championed indigenous rights through both garments and grassroots efforts.
Moana 2 Premiere Moment
At the Los Angeles world premiere of Disney’s Moana 2, Auliʻi Cravalho stunned on the red carpet in a bespoke gown by Afa Ah Loo. The custom design featured ocean-inspired embroidery and flowing layers that echoed the film’s coastal themes. Paparazzi photos circulating online captured Cravalho glowing in the ensemble, which quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about looks.
In interviews at the event, the actress credited Afa’s craftsmanship for helping her feel confident on a stage that marked a milestone in her young career. “It felt like wearing a piece of my heritage,” she said, adding that Afa’s vision elevated the celebration of Pacific stories at a global scale.
Auliʻi’s Broader Advocacy
Beyond her acting work, Cravalho has emerged as an influential voice on environmental and cultural issues. Last year, she joined The Nature Conservancy and other indigenous advocates at the UN Ocean’s Conference in Nice, France. In a high-profile Instagram post, she wrote, “By amplifying local, native, and/or indigenous voices, we learn just how critical ocean health is to our livelihoods, economies, and most importantly our spirits.”
Her dedication to ocean conservation complements the cultural preservation championed by designers like Afa Ah Loo. Both figures highlighted the importance of storytelling—whether through sustainable fashion or community engagement—to protect Pacific traditions for future generations.
Cravalho’s tribute has drawn an outpouring of support from fans, fellow actors and fashion insiders. Many praised her for shining a light on a creator whose work bridged style and cultural pride.
Afa Ah Loo’s family has not released a public statement, but the fashion community continues to honor his legacy at design shows and via social media posts showcasing vintage pieces and sketches. As Cravalho wrote, his artistry—and his message—will endure.
In remembering Afa Ah Loo, Auliʻi Cravalho underscores a shared mission: to celebrate Pacific identity on world stages, whether through film, activism or the transformative power of fashion. His passing marks a poignant moment for the islands he loved and the global communities he inspired.
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